William (Billy) Ward Chesser, age 81, a lifelong resident of Montgomery, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents Lillie Mae and Henry Chesser; sister Miriam Chesser Roy; and wife Mildred Bell Chesser.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Snell Chesser; son, Ward Chesser; daughters, Mitzi (Mark) Waldo, Karen (Abe) Bates, Susan Rinehardt, and Jean Rinehardt; grandsons: Mark Johnson, Kevin (Augusta) Johnson, Scott Johnson, and Jeffrey Goodman; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Chesser was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. He was a long time member of Dalraida Church of Christ. He retired from Monroe Systems for Business.

After retirement, while working for the State of Alabama Department of Revenue, he founded the "Billy Club," where members pledged to always have fun. He will be missed by many, especially his friends and staff of MCA Fitness. He was full of joy and love for others and always had a smile and a joke to tell.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Leak Memory Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2013 at 11:00 am at Leak Memory Chapel with Doug Smith officiating.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Mark Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Scott Johnson, Jeffrey Goodman, nephew: Chess Roy, and family friend: David Evans.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brantwood Children's Home 1309 Upper Wetumpka Rd., Montgomery, AL 36107, www.brantwoodchildrenshome.org or your favorite charity.

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on May 23, 2013